Marriage License
The first step in getting married is to apply for a license. These are issued by a Town or City Clerk and are valid to use anywhere in New York State. Folks often apply for their marriage license from the Clerk of the town or city in which they currently reside. To obtain a marriage license, both parties must appear in person. The Clerk’s office is open Monday-Thursday from 8AM to 2PM or by appointment. It is recommended you make an appointment as this process usually takes around 20 minutes.
After applying for a marriage license, you must wait 24 hours before the ceremony and no later than 60 days after. If you do not get married within 60 days after applying, you will need to repeat the licensing process and will be charged the cost of another. All Active-Duty Military Personnel (with proof of status) will receive an extension of 180 days and are exempt from paying a fee.
At the bottom half license there is a section that must be completed and signed by the officiant (person who marries you) and it must be returned to Clerk for filing with the State of New York. The Clerk will then issue a marriage certificate to the new couple.
In December 2022, NY Governor Hochul signed legislation allowing individuals to become One-Day Marriage Officiants. This allows a person, family member, friend, loved one, who is over the age of 18 to apply to officiate a marriage ceremony for one day only. The fee for issuing a one-day officiant license is $25 payable to the Town of Caroline. You must apply in person and sign an Affidavit with the Town Clerk. The license expires immediately after the ceremony or upon the expiration of the marriage license (whichever comes first).
Marriage Transcript
You may find that you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This may occur when applying for social security, or if you misplace your original certificate. The cost of a certified transcript is $10. You can submit this request to the Town Clerk along with both parties’ names (maiden name), date of marriage, and proof that the request is being made by one of the parties to the marriage.
← Back to Town ClerkThe following documentation is required to be submitted by both parties at the time of application:
• Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID card or passport)
• Birth Certificate (a copy is acceptable)
• Proof that any previous marriages have been dissolved, either by death or divorce (death certificate or a divorce decree identifying the date of filing)
• A fee of $40 (cash or check – NO credit cards)
MORE INFORMATION If you need help finding a local officiant, please visit: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/wedding-officiants-ithaca-ny
Or contact a Caroline Town Justice: carolinetowncourt@nycourts.gov
For more information on marriages, visit the NYS Dept of Health
